Podcast appearances and mentions of Anita Rani

Four years ago the broadcaster Naga Munchetty spoke out on air about her own awful experience of getting a coil fitted, and received a huge response from listeners. It led to her talking about her debilitating periods and an eventual diagnosis with adenomyosis aged 47. She's written about this and included the experiences of other women. Naga spoke to Anita Rani to discuss her book ‘It's Probably Nothing'.A wave of female designers have been appointed to some leading high street brands - including Jacqui Markham at Whistles, Maddy Evans at M&S, and Clare Waight Keller, the former Givenchy designer, to Uniqlo. So how much of a difference does it make for consumers that women are at the helm? Nuala McGovern spoke to Jacqui Markham, creative director at Whistles and Catherine Shuttleworth, CEO and founder of Savvy Marketing.A BBC documentary The Sex Detectives: Keeping Kids Safe follows a ground-breaking project in Bristol which engages the help of street sex workers to protect children and young people at risk of sexual exploitation. Avon & Somerset Police have teamed up with charity Barnardo's and partnered with Bristol's street sex workers to gather intelligence about dangerous offenders and paedophiles. Nuala was joined by social worker Jo Ritchie, at Barnardo's, and sex work liaison officer Rose Brown.In a special programme exploring 'mistakes' and our relationship with the word, Nuala McGovern speaks to journalist Nicole Mowbray who tells about the mistake she made at The Observer newspaper which caused an 'international incident'.A new report by HSBC looks at the obstacles and opportunities facing midlife women entrepreneurs. With more midlife women starting businesses than any other demographic, what is it like to be a female founder at 50+? Author of the report, Eleanor Mills, owner of her own company Noon and Helen Lord, co-founder of Rehome, a UK-based business specialising in the resale of used and ex-display kitchens, join Kylie Pentelow to discuss.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Emma Pearce

Four years ago the writer and broadcaster Naga Munchetty spoke out on air about her own awful experience of getting a coil fitted, and received a huge response from listeners. It led to her talking about her debilitating periods and an eventual diagnosis with adenomyosis aged 47. She's written about this and included the experiences of other women. Naga speaks to Anita Rani to discuss her book ‘It's probably nothing': Critical conversations on the women's health crisis. Robert Francis Prevost has been chosen as the new Pope and will be known as Leo XIV. He is the first American to fill the role of pope, although he is considered as much a cardinal from Latin America because of the many years he spent as a missionary in Peru. Anita is joined by Kate McElwee, the executive director of the Women's Ordination Conference, that calls for women's ordination and gender equity in the Roman Catholic Church and Ruth Gledhill Assistant Editor at The Tablet to discuss where he stands in the context women and the church.Planning a wedding can be stressful, but what if you begin to question your relationship as the big day approaches? How do you know if it's just nerves? And what if you realise that you're not happy, that your engagement needs to end, and that you have to cancel your wedding? Anita talks to beauty and lifestyle creator Katie Snooks who cancelled her wedding in 2017 and to couples therapist Joanna Harrison about managing the emotional and practical fall-out of cancelling your wedding.Laura Aikman discusses her role in new drama Suspect, which tells the story of Jean Charles de Menezes, who was shot by police at Stockwell tube station in 2005. He was mistaken for a terror suspect in the aftermath of London's 7/7 bombings. Laura plays Lana Vandenberghe in the Disney+ drama, a Canadian secretary at the Independent Police Complaints Commission who became a whistleblower, leaking documents to a TV news producer which showed a discrepancy between what the police knew and what was being reported at the time. Laura also recently starred in BBC crime drama This City is Ours and surprised Gavin and Stacey fans by returning as Smithy's fiancé for the recent Christmas finale, watched by more than 19 million people. Presented by Anita Rani Producer: Louise Corley

The negative effects that smartphones and social media access can have on students has become a national conversation in recent months, with differing views on who should take the lead in protecting children. Anita Rani was joined by secondary head teacher Emma Mills, whose school in Warrington has banned smartphones. Birchwood High attracted national attention two years ago when teenage student Brianna Ghey was murdered.Paula Radcliffe held the marathon world record for more than 16 years. The four time British Olympian secured the Six Star Medal last week, and has now run all six original marathons: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York City. Recently she's had her resilience tested in a whole new way - supporting her teenage daughter Isla through a rare and aggressive form of ovarian cancer. Now in recovery, Isla ran the London marathon last Sunday and Paula joined Nuala McGovern to discuss the experience.With the Met Gala fast approaching, we take a closer look at the business behind the red carpet with International Style Correspondent for the New York Times, Elizabeth Paton, and Fashion Editor for Glamour Magazine, Rosie Lai.For the last decade, Frances Ryan has been a columnist and reporter at The Guardian. She joined Nuala McGovern to discuss her new book - Who Wants Normal? The Disabled Girls' Guide to Life. Part memoir, part manifesto, it explores six facets of life: education, careers, body image, health, relationships and representation, as well as how to survive life's bumps in the road.And London Grammar frontwoman Hannah Reid joined Nuala to discuss more than a decade at the helm of the band, their fourth album The Greatest Love, and what it's been like navigating the music industry as a new parent.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Sarah Jane Griffiths

Headteachers are gathering today in Harrogate for the annual conference of the National Association of Head Teachers. The negative effects on their students of smartphones and social media access has become a national conversation in recent months, with differing views on who should take the lead in protecting children; the Government, schools, parents, or tech companies. Anita Rani talks to secondary head Emma Mills. Her school, Birchwood High in Warrington, attracted national attention two years ago when teenager Brianna Ghey was murdered. Emma joins Anita to explain why she implemented the ban and what the effects have been so far.Barrister and campaigner Charlotte Proudman first came to prominence ten years ago when she called out a lawyer on LinkedIn who praised her profile picture. Never afraid to speak her mind, she talks to Anita about her new book ‘He said, She Said: Truth, Trauma and the Struggle for Justice in Family Court'.Writer George Eliot is brought to life in a new stage setting, accompanied by contemporary music by British female singer songwriters and using mainly her own words to tell her story. Author of seven novels, a poet and translator, George Eliot - real name Mary Ann Evans - was ahead of her time, befriended pioneering feminists and at one point became the second richest woman in England after Queen Victoria. Performers SuRie and Hermione Norris join Anita to discuss their celebration of her extraordinary and ground breaking life. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Laura Northedge

A recent investigation has unearthed previously unknown information about the death of a female Ukrainian journalist who had been looking in to war crimes in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Viktoriia Roshchyna, herself Ukrainian, was captured in 2023 whilst reporting from the occupied territories. She died in 2024 after a year in detention, where she was held without charge and without legal assistance. Editor on the Investigations team at The Guardian, Juliette Garside, joins Anita Rani to discuss the report. Have you ever wondered how much impact the name you were given has had on your life? Florence Knapp's debut novel The Names begins with a dilemma; Cora is about to register the birth of her baby son, but should she call him Bear, the name chosen by her nine-year-old daughter Maia, Julian, which is her choice, or Gordon, the name she is expected to give him and also the name of her abusive husband and his father before him? Florence joins Anita to discuss her new book and the fateful decisions we make every day.It's been a big week for Chelsea who last night won the Women's Super League title for the sixth year in a row, beating Manchester United 1-0 after a goal from Lucy Bronze. The victory marks the first Women's Super League title for Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor, who took over from Emma Hayes last summer. It also follows a defeat against Barcelona in the Champions League over the weekend. BBC Sport's Emma Sanders joins Anita to discuss Chelsea's season.With the Met Gala fast approaching, we take a closer look at the business behind the red carpet with International Style Correspondent for the New York Times, Elizabeth Paton, and Fashion Editor for Glamour Magazine, Rosie Lai. A new play, Conversations After Sex, tells the story of one thirty-something woman's life through vignettes following sporadic sexual encounters with a revolving cast of men. Anita explores the theme of intimate conversations with strangers, with the play's main protagonist and producer Olivia Lindsay and psychotherapist Charlotte Jefferson. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Emma Pearce

After suffering complications during the birth of her son, Leo, in 2021, former Made in Chelsea star Louise Thompson developed PTSD. She posted about this to her followers on social media and has now written about it in her new book, Lucky. She told Clare McDonnell about her experience and why she is trying to break the taboo surrounding birth trauma.People who have committed murder, manslaughter or stalking offences should be forced to live in restricted areas after being released from prison on licence, according to a group of campaigners. BBC journalist Gemma Dunstan and law-change campaigners Rhianon Bragg and Dianna Parkes join Anita Rani to discuss. The Prime Minister Keir Starmer has welcomed the UK Supreme Court decision on the legal definition of a woman. His office has confirmed that he no longer believes trans women are women. There have been protests against the decision, with critics saying it is incredibly worrying for the trans community. The ruling followed a long-running legal battle between the Scottish Government and the campaign group For Women Scotland. Susan Smith, one of the directors, spoke to Clare and gave her reflections on the outcome, a week on.TV presenter, writer and self-declared 'homes therapist' Michelle Ogundehin joined Nuala to talk about decluttering and the connection between our home and our wellbeing, her personal wardrobe strategy and her love of curated things that tell our story.Emma-Jean Thackray is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, producer, bandleader and DJ. Her sound has incorporated the widest range of music, from jazz and funk to Detroit house and techno, northern Bassline and catchy rock and pop music. She joined Anita to discuss her new album Weirdo and the inspiration behind it. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

The onset of menopause has resulted in 10% of women leaving work for good and more than half having to take time off, according to the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development. These findings were presented to business leaders yesterday at the launch of the first advisory group for menopause in the workplace. Mariella Frostrup is the Government's Menopause Employment Ambassador and she joins Anita Rani.The Women's Six Nations culminates this weekend. England and France face each other at the Allianz Stadium Twickenham on Saturday to decide the rugby champions. Scotland face Ireland tomorrow and Wales and Italy face off on Sunday. The BBC's Sport Reporter Sara Orchard gives us the lowdown. Rugby player Emma Wassell has been capped 67 times for Scotland and is hoping to make her comeback before the World Cup in England this summer after a traumatic absence. Last September a benign tumour was discovered in her chest – and her recovery has included several surgeries. As she gets back onto the training ground, she joins us to tell her story.What happens when your private photo isn't nude, but it still ruins your life? The current legal definition of ‘intimate' image abuse, also known as “revenge porn”, doesn't reflect the reality for Muslim and BME women. Many of these images aren't defined as sexual through a western lens but can have serious consequences. We speak to Mariam Ahmed from Amina, the Muslim Women's Resource centre, who have launched an “exposed” campaign to tackle this issue. Emma-Jean Thackray is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, producer, bandleader and a DJ. Her sound has incorporated the widest range of music, from jazz and funk to Detroit house and techno, northern Bassline and catchy rock and pop music. She joins Anita to discuss her new album Weirdo, the inspirations behind it, and to perform live in the studio.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Corinna Jones

This morning, the UK regulator Ofcom released its Children's Safety Codes. These are the regulations that platforms will have to follow to protect young users and abide by the Online Safety Act. Platforms will have three months to carry out a risk assessment and bring the codes into effect. Ofcom can start enforcing the regulations from July. The most significant aspect is the requirement for strong age verification. Anita Rani hears from Baroness Beeban Kidron, founder of Five Rights, an international NGO working with and for children for a rights-respecting digital world, and Ian Russell, Chair of the Molly Rose Foundation. Ian's daughter Molly took her life at the age of 14 after being exposed to harmful content online.A new report says 91% of organisations in the UK's women and girls sector have seen a rise in demand for their services, but only 52% expect to be able to meet it. The report - from Rosa, the UK fund for women and girls - also found that 1.8% of charitable giving goes to women's charities although they represent at least 3.5% of charities. Anita is joined by Rebecca Gill, Executive Director at Rosa UK fund for women and girls and Cecily Mwaniki, Director of Utulivu, who support Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and refugee women, girls, and their families in Reading.According to campaigners, people who have committed murder, manslaughter or stalking offences should be forced to live in restricted areas after being released from prison on licence. Anita is joined by BBC journalist Gemma Dunstan and law-change campaigners Rhianon Bragg and Dianna Parkes. 29-year-old Pippa White shares her daily life as a vicar to millions of viewers on TikTok. She joins Anita to discuss being a young woman in the Church, making religion fun and connecting with a younger audience.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

Twiggy turned the modelling world upside down with her androgynous style, big round eyes, bold eyelashes, and pixie haircut, becoming a defining figure and fashion icon of the swinging 60s. Considered the world's first supermodel, she went on to have a successful career in acting and singing, earning two Golden Globes and a Tony nomination, designed fashion ranges, appeared as a judge on America's Next Top Model, and was awarded a damehood for services to the fashion, arts and charity. A new documentary, Twiggy, directed by Sadie Frost, is out in cinemas now. Twiggy joined Krupa Padhy to talk about her long career.Kyle Clifford was found guilty of raping his ex-girlfriend in an attack in which he murdered her, her mother and her sister. Louise, Hannah and Carol Hunt were murdered two weeks after Louise ended her relationship with him. It has been revealed that prosecutors said "violent misogyny" promoted by social media influencer Andrew Tate "fuelled" his attacks. However, the defence argued this material had too vague a link and was far too prejudicial to be heard by the jury. As we hear this news, concerns rise again about the influence of people like self-described misogynist Andrew Tate, and there are calls for his content to be taken down. Anita was joined by Michael Conroy, founder of Men at Work, which works with teachers and boys in schools to challenge sexist and misogynistic content online and Laura Bates, founder of the Everyday Sexism project who campaigns for gender equality to discuss how we can protect our children from, especially boys, from this.Journalist and disability activist Lucy Edwards has just published her debut fiction book, Ella Jones vs the Sun Stealer, a mystery aimed at younger readers. It tells the story of 12-year-old Ella Jones who has been blind for two years and is navigating her new world with the help of her guide dog Maisie, her sister Poppy and her best friend Finn. She joined Krupa to talk about the book and her experiences sharing her own story online.We discuss the extraordinary story of how and why an autistic woman was locked up in a mental health hospital for 45 years. For 25 of those she was in long term segregation. Nuala McGovern talked to reporter Carolyn Atkinson about how the woman was eventually freed and to campaigner Alexis Quinn who is autistic and spent three years in a mental health hospital including time in segregation before she escaped. She now campaigns for the Restraint Reduction Network charity about the more than 2,000 other autistic people and or those with learning disabilities who are still in mental health hospitals, many of whom shouldn't be. In May 2015, 20 year-old Mhairi Black was the youngest person for more than a century to become a Member of Parliament – and she then remained a Westminster MP until standing down at the 2024 election. A new BBC documentary follows her last six months in that role and looks at what her future could hold in a new career as a stand-up comedian. Now 30, she joined Anita Rani to reflect on her years in Parliament and what she'd like to see change about the way it functions.Nieve Ella is currently on tour, playing to packed venues and solidifying her place as a rising star in indie music. With a distinctive online presence and an ever-growing fanbase, she's proving that Gen Z artists are reshaping the industry on their own terms. Nieve performed the track Sweet Nothings with Finn Marlow. Presenter: Anita Rani

In May 2015, 20 year-old Mhairi Black was the youngest person for more than a century to become a Member of Parliament – and she then remained a Westminster MP until standing down at the 2024 election. A new BBC documentary follows her last six months in that role and looks at what her future could hold in a new career as a stand-up comedian. Now 30, she joins Anita Rani to reflect on her years in Parliament and what she'd like to see change about the way it functions.The Women's Prize was founded thirty years ago and this year Woman's Hour will be talking to longlisted writers along with previous winners. In our first discussion Anita is joined by Helen Castor, longlisted in the non-fiction category for 'The Eagle and the Hart', a psychologically gripping account of King Richard II and King Henry IV, and by Rosanna Pike, longlisted for her novel 'A Little Trickerie', which is set in 1500 and tells the story of an orphaned girl who attempts an audacious hoax.Today at the Royal Albert Hall, Natasha Jonas and Lauren Price will be the first female headliners to box in what will be the venue's first all-female card. Jonas, an experienced fighter, is taking on Price, a rising star who has never lost a round as a pro. With world titles on the line, British sports journalist and presenter Anna Woolhouse joins us to discuss a huge moment in British women's boxing, which emphasises the progress of women in the sport.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Laura Northedge

A video made and posted by Stranger Things actor Millie Bobby Brown has gone viral. In it she criticises the recent press articles about her appearance, saying "this isn't journalism, this is bullying". The 21-year-old posted a three-minute monologue on her Instagram page, in which she called out article headlines and the names of the reporters who wrote them. Anita Rani is joined by Anita Bhagwandas, beauty journalist and author of Ugly, Olivia Petter, journalist with the Independent and Morgan Fargo, Beauty and Wellness Editor British Vogue to talk about the impact of Millie calling this behaviour out.Today the General Medical Council has announced that for the first time since their records began, women doctors practising medicine in the UK are greater in number than their male counterparts in the UK. It is an historic moment, but the announcement also acknowledges that women are more likely to be affected by discriminatory behaviour during their medical training and some specialisms still have relatively low numbers of women. To discuss the challenges faced by women doctors, Anita is joined by Professor Dame Carrie MacEwan, a consultant Ophthalmologist and Chair of the GMC and Dr Leanne Armitage, a locum doctor working in General Medicine and co-founder of the Armitage Foundation for young people from under-represented backgrounds who want to study medicine.Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that affects less than 2 percent of the population. For as long as the actor and star of Downton Abbey Tuppence Middleton can remember, she has had recurring unwanted intrusive thoughts that led to compulsions such as mental counting, checking and handwashing. She also has emetophobia, an intense fear of vomiting. Tuppence joins Anita to discuss her memoir ‘Scorpions,' which explores nearly thirty years of living with OCD and the impact it has had on her daily life. As the beauty brand Lush marks 30 years Anita is joined by one of the co-founders and product designer, Rowena Bird. Starting with one shop in Dorset, Lush now has over 800 stores in 51 countries, so how do they balance their ethical credentials with their global reach?Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

Two of the country's best-loved stage and screen Olivier award-winning actors, Celia Imrie and Tamsin Greig are currently playing mother and daughter in Backstroke, a new play at the Donmar Warehouse in London, that unpicks the complications of their relationship over a lifetime. They joined Nuala McGovern in to discuss their on-stage relationship.Esther Ghey's transgender daughter Brianna was murdered in February 2023 by two 15 year olds. The killers were radicalised online, and 16-year-old Brianna herself was harmfully addicted to her phone, despite all of her mum's efforts to limit her usage. Esther has now become a campaigner for the safer use of smartphones for children, and for the use of mindfulness in schools. She also decided to forgive her child's killers, and is now friends with one of their mothers. Esther joined Anita Rani in the Woman's Hour studio to talk about her new memoir, Under a Pink Sky.Nigerian American science fiction author Nnedi Okorafor's new book is Death of the Author. It follows the story of Zelu, a novelist who is disabled, unemployed and from a very judgmental family. Nnedi and Nuala talked about the book within her book, success, and how she turned to writing as she recovered from a life-changing operation. Same Dress Different Bodies began when fashion-loving friends Laura Adlington and Lottie Drynan realised they were both having problems finding clothes they felt comfortable in, Lottie because of bloating caused by IBS, and Laura because she was limited by what was available in plus sizes. They joined Nuala to talk about turning their positive approach to fashion into a live show.Listener Emma Shaw got in touch with Woman's Hour after hearing author Beth Moran discuss fostering on the programme. She joined Nuala to share her own experience of being fostered alongside her siblings, along with Sarah Thomas, CEO of The Fostering Network, a charity that supports both foster parents and children.Singer-songwriter and ADHD YouTube influencer RØRY, who has co-written three top 10 hits for other artists including Charlie XCX, has finally broken through the charts with a top 10 album of her own at the age of 40. She joined Anita to talk about her journey from addiction to recovery and her new found success, and performs live in the studio.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Annette Wells

Simone Ashley plays Kate Sharma in one of Netflix's biggest shows, Bridgerton, and also graced our screens in groundbreaking comedy Sex Education. She joins Anita Rani to talk about her new romcom, Picture This, the resurgence of the movie genre and Bridgerton's success. An investigation by BBC Humberside has been hearing from young women who've experienced inappropriate behaviour from their driving instructors. We're joined by BBC reporter Jasmine Lowe and Debbie Beadle, the CEO of the charity Fear Free, as they launch a campaign to get the position of trust law governing teachers and social workers extended to cover driving instructors too. Listener Emma Shaw got in touch with Woman's Hour after hearing author Beth Moran discuss fostering on the programme. She joins us to share her own experience of being fostered alongside her siblings, along with Sarah Thomas, CEO of The Fostering Network, a charity that supports both foster parents and children.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Sarah Jane Griffiths

The government has published an independent review into the world of online pornography, Creating a Safer World - the challenge of regulating online pornography, written by the Conservative Peer Baroness Gabby Bertin. It proposes outlawing “degrading, violent and misogynistic content,” including making it illegal to possess or publish pornography showing women being choked during sex. Anita Rani talks to the BBC's Home Editor, Mark Easton and Fiona Vera-Gray, Professor of Sexual Violence at London Metropolitan University, about the review's findings.Padel – a cross between squash and tennis - is said to be the fastest growing sport in the world. So what about the women in the game? Whether it's on the local padel court or the business and money-making side, women are currently massively under-represented. Joining Anita are Eloise Tait – GB's #5 women's player – who will be competing at 2025's Britain Padel Tour in London tomorrow – and Astrid Tamms from Spain's Hexagon Cup.Singer-songwriter and ADHD YouTube influencer RØRY, who has co-written three top 10 hits for other artists including Charlie XCX, has finally broken through the charts with a top 10 album of her own at the age of 40. She takes Anita on her journey from being addicted to drugs and alcohol to her recovery and new found success, and performs her song, One Drink Away, live in the studio.Esther Ghey's transgender daughter Brianna was murdered in February 2023 by two 15 year olds. The killers were radicalised online, and 16-year-old Brianna herself was harmfully addicted to her phone, despite all of her mum's efforts to limit her usage. Esther has now become a campaigner for the safer use of smartphones for children, and for the use of mindfulness in schools. She also decided to forgive her child's killers, and is now friends with one of their mothers. Esther joins Anita in the Woman's Hour studio to talk about her new memoir, Under a Pink Sky.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

Laura Kyrke-Smith MP wants more care and support for new mothers struggling with their mental health. Her own friend died by suicide just 10 weeks after giving birth and she recently led a debate in parliament on the subject. Laura joined Nuala McGovern to discuss the changes she wants to see. They were joined by perinatal psychologist Dr Alain Gregoire from the Maternal Mental Health Alliance.As EastEnders celebrates its 40th anniversary, Woman's Hour discusses the iconic soap's track record of featuring strong female characters with actors Michelle Collins, Kellie Bright, Diane Parish and Heather Peace.How easy is it to navigate the role of grandparent? The pyschologist Terri Apter, author of Grandparenting: On Love and Relationships Across Generations joined Anita Rani to discuss the topic. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Women's Prize for Fiction which was established to recognise the literary achievements of female writers. There have been huge improvements in sales for fiction written by women since then, however only 34 per cent of the top 500 non-fiction books in 2022 were written by women. The Women's Prize awarded its inaugural non-fiction category last year and have just released their 2025 longlist. Will it have the same impact as the Fiction Prize? The Women's Prize co-founder Kate Mosse and this year's Chair of the Non-Fiction Prize, journalist and author Kavita Puri join Nuala.Performance poet Caitlin O'Ryan's poem, At What Point, about walking home alone went viral. She performed an extract of the poem live in the studio. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

As part of the EastEnders 40th anniversary Woman's Hour celebrates this iconic soap's track record of featuring strong female characters and exploring some of the most pressing, contentious and emotional issues for women over the past four decades. Anita Rani presents live from the Fox & Hair salon in Walford. The salon is managed by Diane Parish's character Denise Fox, whose love triangle storyline will be at the centre of the soap's live interactive episode on Thursday 20th February. Viewers will be able to vote on whether her future should be with Jack or Ravi. She joins Anita to discuss the storyline.Anita also speaks to Kellie Bright who plays Linda Carter, Michelle Collins who plays Cindy Beale and Heather Peace whose character Eve Unwin recently was part of the first lesbian wedding on the show. With two thirds of the soap's audience being women, the executive producer Chris Clenshaw talks about his vision for putting female characters front and centre,, with lead storylines including explosive murder mystery The Six - and he explains how sensitive issues, such as Linda's alcoholism, are tackled with the help of charities and experts. When BBC One launched its first twice-weekly serial drama, on 19th February 1985 and it was based around a solidly working class community set in Albert Square in the East End of London. Anthony McNicholas is a retired academic, reader in communications and researcher on the history of the BBC and Jaci Stephen is the Soap Critic for the Daily Mail. They discuss the original idea for the series, the public service remit and celebrate the Square's most formidable matriarchs over its 40-year history and discuss their impact. Presented by Anita Rani Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Deiniol Buxton

Anita Rani speaks to Emma Webber and Sinead O'Malley Kumar, mothers of Barnaby and Grace, both 19, who were killed in Nottingham in June 2023. They'll be responding to the findings of a major review of the NHS care of Valdo Calocane, the man who attacked their children. The Oscar-nominated actress Mikey Madison tells Clare McDonnell about playing the title role in Anora, a film about a sex worker in New York. Mikey spent months embedded in a strip club to fully immerse herself in the world. The film is nominated for six Academy Awards as well as BAFTAs and Golden Globes.New research has quantified for the first time how many young people have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria by GPs in England. Anita hears from Professor of Health Policy, Tim Doran, about the work academics at the University of York are doing. They studied a decade's worth of NHS records and discovered a 50-fold increase in this particular diagnosis between 2011 and 2021. However each general practice will only see one or two such patients each year. The West End star Marisha Wallace, the latest actor to play Sally Bowles in Cabaret at The Kit Kat Club in London, performs a song from the show.The actor and writer Daisy May Cooper talks to Clare McDonnell about the second series of the BBC female-friendship thriller, Am I Being Unreasonable, which she both co-wrote and stars in. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Rebecca Myatt

The West End star Marisha Wallace joins Anita Rani in the studio. She's the latest actor to play Sally Bowles in Cabaret at The Kit Kat Club in London, alongside Billy Porter who plays Emcee. Marisha talks about the significance of them both playing these roles together and her journey to the top. The UN has reported that more than 100 female prisoners were raped and then burned alive during a jailbreak in the Congolese city of Goma. The conflict in eastern DR Congo dates back to the 1990s but has rapidly escalated in recent weeks. Since the start of 2025, more than 400,000 people have been forced from their homes, according to the UN's refugee agency. We're joined by Anne Soy, the BBC's Deputy Africa Editor & Senior Correspondent based in Nairobi. What's it like giving birth in prison? New play Scenes from Lost Mothers, currently touring universities and prisons, explores the real-life experiences of pregnant women and new mothers in prison. Performed by actors with lived experience of the criminal justice system, or at risk of entering it, it's based on research from the Lost Mothers Project and explores the impact of separating imprisoned mothers from their newborns. We hear from the project's lead, midwife and associate professor, Dr Laura Abbott, and a mother shares her experience. Emma Hakansson is an ex-model turned ethical fashion campaigner and film director, who founded her own organisation - Collective Fashion Justice. She joins Anita to talk about her new film featuring a community of women in the Amazon who make a sustainable leather alternative which helps keep their environment protected. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Sarah Jane Griffiths Editor: Deiniol Buxton

Anita Rani speaks to Emma Webber and Sinead O'Malley Kumar mothers of Barnaby and Grace, both 19, who were killed in Nottingham in June 2023. They'll be responding to the findings of a major review of the NHS care of Valdo Calocane the man who attacked their children. A report Emma has already described as a horror show.Nina Bhadreshwar's crime novel The Day of the Roaring tells the story of Sheffield Detective Inspector Diana Walker, who is trying to solve some particularly grisly murders while dealing with corruption and racial and sexual discrimination at work. Nina joins Anita to discuss her own Yorkshire upbringing, launching a magazine which led her to a friendship with rapper Tupac Shakur and a job at the notorious hip hop label Death Row Records.A new opera is being written about Margaret Thatcher. Seen by many as a divisive figure, the Rest is History podcast co-host Dominic Sandbrook's new work is going to look at her 11-year tenure as prime minister. Dame Maureen Lipman - who played Margaret Thatcher in an episode of the British sitcom About Face - discusses her appeal and what she was like to play as a character.Dr LaShyra ‘Lash' Nolen is one of the charity, One Young World's young leaders. She was the first African American woman to serve as student president at Harvard Medical School in 2019, was on Forbes 30 Under 30 Healthcare list in 2022 and now works as a resident physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. ‘Lash' as she is known, joins Anita to talk about her daily work, her journey to a career in medicine and her desire to see equity in healthcare throughout the US.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Women in prison are resorting to self-harm because of “astonishing gaps” in basic services including strict time limits when contacting their children, according to a new report from His Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons for England and Wales released today. The report's author Sandra Fieldhouse joins Anita Rani, as does the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice Shabana Mahmood. Singer and stand-up comedian Hajar J Woodland joins Anita to discuss her show, First Love, coming to Soho Theatre in London. After being raised in a household where singing wasn't encouraged, her show explores the boundaries we put up around ourselves and what it means to finally find love and your voice. New research has quantified for the first time how many young people have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria by GPs in England. Academics at the University of York studied a decade's worth of NHS records and discovered a 50-fold increase in this particular diagnosis between 2011 and 2021. However each general practice will only see one or two such patients each year. Anita speaks to Professor of Health Policy Tim Doran.The French have been told to wear the same T-shirt for five days before washing it, and sports clothing three times. It's part of advice from the government's Ecological Transition Agency, which is trying to get people to do less laundry to save water. So how often should we really be washing our clothes? Anita is joined by Professor Sally Bloomfield from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine to tell us more. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Emma Pearce

In the last year, women with disabilities experienced domestic abuse at more than twice the rate of those without, according to the latest figures from the Crime Survey for England and Wales. Yet data from Women's Aid shows less than 1% of refuge vacancies in England are suitable for wheelchair users. Where does this leave women with disabilities impacted by domestic abuse? Anita Rani hears one anonymous woman's experience and is joined by Angie Airlie, CEO of Stay Safe East and Rebecca Goshawk, a director of Solace Women's Aid.Mrs Robinson is a feature-length documentary about Ireland's first female president, Mary Robinson. Telling the story of her childhood and career for the first time on screen, it was filmed over three years, and takes a deep-dive into Mary Robinson's career as she discusses the significant controversies throughout her tenure, her own professional regrets and examines how her gift for bridging differences was instrumental in bringing about seismic change in Ireland. Mary Robinson joined Clare McDonnell to talk about it.Preet Chandi, better known as Polar Preet, broke world records in 2023 when she made the longest solo and unsupported journey across Antarctica, crossing 922 miles in 70 days. Now Preet is setting her sights on the North Pole, hoping to cross 500 miles of sea ice to reach it in under 70 days. She joined Anita to discuss why she's making the change to the North Pole, how she plans to get there and how she plans on dealing with polar bears.Reality star turned documentary filmmaker Vicky Pattison joined Clare to discuss her latest project, Vicky Pattison: My Deepfake Sex Tape. The documentary sees her exploring the proliferation of videos generated by AI, whereby people's faces are placed onto pornographic images and shared without their consent. Vicky talked about creating her own deepfake sex tape and looks at the impact the phenomenon is having on women and girls.The singer-songwriter Rumer is a MOBO award winner and double Brit Award nominee. Her new album In Session is out, celebrating the 15th anniversary of her platinum debut album Seasons Of My Soul. The success that followed that album affected Rumer's mental health. She stepped away from the industry and relocated to the US. Now back in the UK she has returned to the record that has shaped so much of her life both professionally and personally. Rumer joined Anita to talk about her life and to perform live in the studio.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Rebecca Myatt

The singer/songwriter Rumer is a MOBO award winner and double Brit Award nominee. Her new album In Session is out today celebrating the 15th anniversary of her platinum debut album Seasons Of My Soul. The success that followed that album affected her mental health. She stepped away from the industry and relocated to the US. Now back in the UK she has returned to the record that has shaped so much of her life both professionally and personally. Rumer joins Anita Rani to talk about her life and music and to perform live in the studio.Afghanistan's women's cricket team have played their first match since being exiled three years ago. Cricket commentator Alison Mitchell and Firoza Amiri from the squad discuss the game and their fight for official ICC recognition. Are people better served by sexual assault referral centres than by self- swabbing in cases of alleged rape? Tana Adkin KC says we should be careful. Katie White is the co-founder of Enough, who have developed these kits and currently running a pilot project in Bristol. They've given away 7000 in just 12 weeks. The two of them are in the Woman's Hour studio to discuss.Actor and comedian Kerry Godliman, is best known for her portrayal of Lisa Johnson, the deceased wife of Ricky Gervais' character Tony in the hit Netflix series After Life. She now returns to the stage with her new stand-up show Bandwidth – on being a middle age woman – everything from parenting teenagers, to considering dealing HRT on the black market to losing her mum bag. And we look back at the life of Marianne Faithfull hearing her when she was last on Woman's Hour in 2011.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey

The Royal Ballet School (RBS) has reached a financial settlement with former student Ellen Elphick who said the body-shaming she experienced while at the elite institution has left her with lifelong psychological damage. The London-based school accepts no liability for the former dancer's case and has not issued an apology. Ellen talks to Anita Rani about the experience along with her lawyer, Dino Nocivelli.Female-dominated films are more likely to get more sexist criticism in reviews- that's according to a study of more than 17,000 reviews. Another study looked at how women in finance are portrayed in films and how this impacts real women working in the sector. Anita talks to the film critic, Leila Latif, about women in film.Cardiff University has announced possible cuts to 400 full-time jobs amid a funding shortfall. One of the departments to be potentially impacted is nursing and, whilst the university has said that no "final decisions" have been made and there's "no immediate impact" to those currently studying, concerns have been raised about the future supply of those going into the profession. Anita talks to Helen Whyley, executive director of the Royal College of Nursing Wales.Preet Chandi, better known as Polar Preet, broke world records in 2023 when she made the longest solo and unsupported journey across Antarctica, crossing 922 miles in 70 days. Now Preet is setting her sights on the North Pole, hoping to cross 500 miles of sea ice to reach it in under 70 days. She joins Anita to discuss why she's making the change to the North Pole, how she plans to get there and how she plans on dealing with polar bears.Poet Maria Ferguson has a new collection out. It's called Swell, and it explores the highs and lows of conception, pregnancy and motherhood, including looking at miscarriage. Maria joins Anita to talk about her compositions and why she wanted to write about becoming a mother.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

In the last year, women with disabilities experienced domestic abuse at more than twice the rate of those without, according to the latest figures from the Crime Survey for England and Wales. Yet data from Women's Aid shows less than 1% of refuge vacancies in England are suitable for wheelchair users. Where does this leave women with disabilities impacted by domestic abuse? Anita Rani hears about one anonymous woman's experience and is joined by Angie Airlie, CEO of Stay Safe East and Rebecca Goshawk, a director of Solace Women's Aid. Singer Roxanne de Bastion's grandfather was a Holocaust survivor and a renowned pianist. She joins Anita to discuss bringing his music to a modern audience and tracing his story for her book, The Piano Player of Budapest.Aisling Walsh, Bafta-winning director of Room at the Top and Elizabeth is Missing, has a new project – the BBC series Miss Austen. Aisling speaks to Anita about the series, which reimagines the life of Cassandra Austen, Jane's sister, and her career in giving a voice to unheard stories through film and TV.The Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) was created to tackle misconduct across the arts and media sectors. But more than a year later, it's struggling to secure funding and deliver on its mission. Anita hears from the CEO Jen Smith and Charisse Beaumont, CEO of Black Lives in Music, to explore the challenges CIISA faces and how the music industry can work towards being safer for women.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lottie Garton

Felicity Jones has been nominated for an Oscar and a BAFTA for her role in The Brutalist, in which she plays Erzsébet, a Hungarian journalist who emigrates to the US in the late 1950s to join her architect husband. She joined Anita Rani to discuss her portrayal of this complex character and the other memorable roles she's taken on, from Ruth Bader Ginsberg to Jane Wilde Hawking.Zla Mavka is a non-violent all-female Ukrainian resistance group, fighting against Russian occupation. It spreads newsletters and shares experiences aiming to support others. Anita was joined by the Guardian's chief culture writer, Charlotte Higgins, who has spoken to some of the members and Tetyana Filevska, the curator at the Ukrainian Institute, to find out more.Kate Fagan has been a US basketball player, an ESPN journalist and has written three non-fiction books. She joined Datshiane Navanayagam to discuss her first novel, The Three Lives of Cate Kay.More people in their late 20s are still living with their parents – it's up by more than a third in nearly two decades according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies. Men are also more likely than women to stay in the family home, with 23% of 25-34 year old men living with their parents compared to 15% of women the same age. Anita spoke to writer and counsellor Lucy Cavendish who has two adult sons living at home, and Associate Professor and family therapist Dr Hannah Sherbersky.It has been reported that USA women's footballer Naomi Girma has agreed terms to join Chelsea FC for a world record transfer fee of £900,000 or $1.1 million. Anita was joined by Tom Garry, Women's Football writer at The Guardian.Elise Downing is known for running 5,000 miles self-supported around the British coast over the course of 10 months. She was not only the youngest person, but also the only female to have completed the challenge. Along the way she saw Britain at its wild and wonderful best. She has now written Walk Britain, packed with inspiring car-free ideas on how to get out and explore stunning locations – from the Cornish coast to the Yorkshire Dales and the Isle of Arran. She joined Datshiane to talk about some of the 90 different routes that can be completed on foot, all accessible by public transport.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Sarah Jane Griffiths

Zla Mavka is a non-violent all-female Ukrainian resistance group, fighting against Russian occupation. It spreads newsletters and shares experiences aiming to support others. Anita Rani is joined by the Guardian's chief culture writer, Charlotte Higgins, who has spoken to some of the members and Tetyana Filevska, the curator at the Ukrainian Institute to find out more.When bicycles were first invented in the 19th century, the main danger associated with them wasn't the design or lack of brakes. For women, it was in fact a health problem called “bicycle face”. Tamsin Johnson, PhD candidate and lecturer at Nottingham Trent University, tells Anita how doctors became concerned about this condition and the history of women cycling.In September 2024, multiple Israeli missiles hit an apartment building in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese Health Ministry said that 73 people were killed, the worst single attack in almost two decades. A BBC Eye investigation found that most many of those killed were innocent civilians, 23 of whom were women. Nawal Al-Maghafi has been investigating this attack and speaking to survivors. She joins Anita to share the story of Batoul. Writer, broadcaster and food critic Grace Dent has a book: Comfort Eating: What we eat when nobody's looking. It's inspired by her podcast of the same name, where she talks with a variety of celebrities to discover their secret snacks. Anita asked her about comfort foods.The finale of BBC1's mystery-cum-reality show that everyone is talking about, The Traitors, hits the small screen tonight. Anita discusses this year's themes - sisterhood and deceit with The Traitors superfan, the podcaster and author Vogue Williams and a former contestant from Season 2, Diane, also known as Ross' mum.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

It has been reported that USA women's footballer Naomi Girma has agreed terms to join Chelsea FC for a world record transfer fee of £900,000 or $1.1 million. Anita Rani is joined by Tom Garry, Woman's Football writer at The Guardian. Nearly three decades ago, Marianne Jean-Baptiste was Oscar nominated for her role in Mike Leigh's film Secrets & Lies. Now, she's receiving rave reviews with a stand-out performance in his latest film, Hard Truths. With an almost entirely black cast, Hard Truths explores complex family dynamics. Marianne plays unhappy housewife Pansy. She's in the Woman's Hour studio. As the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas enters its fifth day, we look at the experiences of women and children on both sides. A 19-year-old journalist Malak A. Tantesh living in a camp in Gaza explains her reality now the ceasefire has come in to effect. We also hear from Mandy Damari – mother of Emily, one of the hostages released on Sunday. Have you connected with a loved one after they have died? Maybe it was through a passion they had or introduced you to. Jula connected with her late father by sharing his extensive record collection online. She joins Anita. The rape and murder of a 31-year-old junior doctor in a hospital in Kolkata, India, in August prompted marches and strikes nationwide over safety issues for female doctors. There were calls for her rapist, Sanjay Roy, to be given the death penalty but, when it came to sentencing this week, the judge commented that he had considered all the evidence and did not consider the case to be a "rarest-of-rare" crime and instead sentenced Roy to life imprisonment. We hear from Divya Arya, women's affairs journalist for BBC Delhi. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Emma Pearce

Felicity Jones has been nominated for a Best Supporting Actress BAFTA for her role in The Brutalist, in which she plays Erzsébet, a Hungarian journalist who emigrates to the US in the late 1950s to join her architect husband. She joins Anita Rani to discuss her portrayal of this complex character and the other memorable roles she's taken on, from Ruth Bader Ginsberg to Jane Wilde Hawking.A new report by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Eating Disorders highlights what they are calling ‘widespread neglect' in services across the UK. They have found that patients in some areas have been discharged with a Body Mass Index of lower than 15 - which is associated with substantially increased mortality. To discuss the findings of the report Anita is joined by the Chair of the APPG, Vera Hobhouse MP and Hope Virgo, Secretariat of the APPG and campaigner, who has recovered fully from an eating disorder herself.More people in their late 20s are still living with their parents – it's up by more than a third in nearly two decades according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies. Men are also more likely than women to stay in the family home, with 23% of 25-34 year old men living with their parents compared to 15% of women the same age. We speak to mum of four and counsellor Lucy Cavendish who has three adult children living at home, and Associate Professor and family therapist Dr Hannah Sherbersky.

The Right Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin, the Bishop of Dover, is a trailblazer, who has been right at the heart of a changing nation for over 40 years. Despite discrimination due to her gender and ethnic minority background, Bishop Rose has never wavered from the call she received to enter ministry at the age of 14. She joined Nuala McGovern to discuss her memoir, The Girl from Montego Bay.A Royal College of Nursing report, On the Frontline of the UK's Corridor Care Crisis, which came out this week, found that the situation in A&E is the worst it has ever been and that a lack of hospital beds means corridor care has been "normalised". One nurse described caring for a 95-year-old woman dying with dementia who had spent eight hours lying on a trolley in a crowded corridor next to a drunk person who was vomiting and being abusive. Others describe women having a miscarriage in side rooms. Professor Nicola Ranger, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Nursing joined Anita Rani to discuss what is going on.Holly Bourne, bestselling author of How Do You Like Me Now? and the Spinster Club series, is back with So Thrilled For You, her most personal novel yet. It's a story about four friends navigating motherhood, career ambition, and societal pressures, all unfolding during a sweltering summer's day at a baby shower. Holly joined Nuala and explained what inspired this book. Can AI improve the success rates of women undergoing fertility treatment? Anita discusses the impact of AI on IVF with Dr Cristina Hickman, an embryologist, co-founder of Avenues, and Chair of the Global AI Fertility Society, and Dr Ali Abbara, a Clinician Scientist at Imperial College London, and Consultant in Reproductive Endocrinology at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.Hermine Braunsteiner was the first person to be extradited from the US for Nazi war crimes. She was one of a few thousand women who had worked as a concentration camp guard and was nicknamed ‘the Mare' by prisoners because of her cruelty; she kicked people to death. In 1964, Hermine's past was unknown: She was living a quiet existence as an adoring suburban housewife in Queens, New York when she was tracked down by a reporter from The New York Times who exposed her past. Angharad Hampshire, a Research Fellow at York St John University, joined Nuala to talk about The Mare, her novel based on Hermine's life.The all-female, Welsh-language, post-punk trio Adwaith are the only band to have won the Welsh Music Prize twice, for their first two albums. They are about to release their third album, Solas, all about returning to their hometown in Carmarthen. Band members Hollie Singer, Gwenedd Owen and Gwen Anthony performed live in the studio. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Rebecca Myatt

Can AI improve the success rates of women undergoing fertility treatment? Anita Rani discusses the impact of AI on IVF with Dr Cristina Hickman, an embryologist, co-founder of Avenues, and Chair of the Global AI Fertility Society, and Dr Ali Abbara, a Clinician Scientist at Imperial College London, and Consultant in Reproductive Endocrinology at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.The second reading is due today of a private members bill that seeks to ban first-cousin marriage. It's particularly prevalent among Pakistani and Muslim communities. But what would this mean for women? And how would genetic testing to enforce the ban work? Anita Rani speaks to CEO of Karma Nirvana Natasha Rattu and Emeritus Professor of Health Research at Bradford University, Neil Small. The award winning documentary Sugarcane follows an investigation into the Canadian Indian residential school system, and the attempts of survivors and their descendants to try to understand what happened in them. Emily Kassie is the film's producer and co-director and joins Anita on Woman's Hour. Mark Zuckerberg says companies need to embrace more “masculine energy”. The Meta boss told a podcast that instead of trying to get away from it, corporate culture should celebrate the positive side of things like “aggression”. But what even is ‘masculine energy'? And do we really need more of it? Anita talks to Josh Smith, contributing editor of Glamour magazine and Becky Hewitt, Chief Exec of culture change company Kin&Co.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Laura Northedge

The communications regulator, Ofcom, has published new industry guidance for online services, in which it sets out how it expects online platforms - including social media and porn sites - to introduce highly effective age check measures to prevent children from accessing online pornography and to protect them from other types of harmful content. To discuss the new guidance and its potential impact Anita Rani is joined by Lindsey Fussell, OFCOM's interim group director for online safety. Kamala Harris made history as the first woman - and first woman of colour - to become Vice President of the United States of America. She rose higher in the country's leadership than any other woman before her. Anita discusses her legacy and future with BBC News Online Editor, Courtney Subramanian; and co-founder of Higher Heights, an organisation that works to mobilise black women voters, Kimberly Peeler-Allen. What might be next for the woman who could have been the first female president?A Royal College of Nursing report, On the Frontline of the UK's Corridor Care Crisis, out today, finds that the situation in A&E is the worst it has ever been and that a lack of hospital beds means corridor care has been "normalised". One nurse described caring for a 95-year-old woman dying with dementia who had spent eight hours lying on a trolley in a crowded corridor next to a drunk person who was vomiting and being abusive. Others describe women having a miscarriage in side rooms. Professor Nicola Ranger, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Nursing joins Anita to discuss what is going on.The all-female, Welsh-language, post-punk trio Adwaith are the only band to have won the Welsh Music Prize twice, for their first two albums. The critically-lauded band are about to release their third album, Solas, all about returning to their hometown in Carmarthen. Band members Hollie Singer, Gwenedd Owen and Gwen Anthony talk to Anita about writing in Welsh, what home means to them, and being role models for young women – and they perform their latest single Miliwn live in the Woman's Hour studio. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

Haiti has been ravaged by political instability and gang violence since the assassination of the country's president in 2021 – and this year it's spiralled with armed gangs in control of much of the capital Port-au-Prince. Alongside the violence is an escalating humanitarian crisis, which is severely impacting women and children with widespread hunger and malnutrition. Kylie Pentalow finds out more from the BBC's senior investigations correspondent Nawal Al-Maghafi.In the Netherlands, the 31st December 2024 marks the deadline for people to register if they want their child to have a double-barrelled surname. Children in the Netherlands automatically took their father's name, but in 1998 the law changed to allow them to take their mother's name instead - but only with the consent of the father. A group of women who believe this is discriminatory are challenging the law. Kylie speaks to Linde Bryk, head of strategic court cases at women's rights organisation Bureau Clara Wichmann, and Maartje Passchier who has been affected by the law change. The science teacher turned actor, writer and comedian Shazia Mirza has been taking part in a landmark year for Muslim women in comedy – performing in a touring show called Comedy Queens, where the lineup is entirely female and Muslim. She's also been reflecting on her earlier years, growing up in a strict religious family in Birmingham, as she is writing a memoir. She joins Kylie to discuss her life before standup.On Christmas Day we had a programme devoted to the seasonal theme of Comfort - what it is, why we crave it, and the myriad of ways we can find it. Co-presenters Nuala McGovern and Anita Rani also discussed the flip side - importance of getting outside your comfort zone - with guests including organisational psychologist Fiona Murden and the food critic Grace Dent   BBC News is releasing a new episode of Imposter Syndrome today on iplayer with guest Sir Richard Branson. Therapist Julia Bueno joins Kylie to discuss the ways that imposter syndrome or self-criticism affects so many of us. In 2022 Julia published ‘Everyone's A Critic' based on conversations with her patients and she shares ways to cope when imposter syndrome starts to hold you back. The artist Celia Pym works with textiles to create her pieces. Her latest exhibition: Socks: The Art of Care and Repair looks at sustainability in fashion and the importance of mending. Presented by Kylie Pentalow Producer: Louise Corley

In a Boxing Day special, Anita Rani celebrates a favourite Christmas activity: puzzles and games.Anita hears from Leslie Scott, the woman who invented Jenga, and steps into the world of crosswords and general knowledge quizzes with Kate Mepham, setter for the Daily Telegraph.She pays tribute to Agatha Christie, the woman behind the most famous puzzles ever written, with novelist and essayist John Lanchester, and host of the Shedunnit podcast, Caroline Crampton.Anne Corbett, professor in dementia research at the University of Exeter, explains the role games can play in the battle to keep our minds fit and healthy.And Anita dives into gaming with Gabrielle Zevin, author of Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, one of the bestselling novels of recent years: a love story set in the world of video games. Eimear Noone, the composer behind World of Warcraft and the first woman to conduct at the Oscars, explains how video game soundtracks come together, while Frankie Ward, Esports host and journalist, has tips on the best games to play while breastfeeding.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Hannah Sander

As this is the season of Comfort & Joy, today's programme is devoted to the theme of ‘Comfort'. At this time of year when many women are frazzled and craving a bit of comfort, Nuala McGovern and Anita Rani explore why it so important with their guests. Fiona Murden is an organisational psychologist, award winning author of the books Defining You and Mirror Thinking and host of the podcast Dot to Dot – Life Connected. She explains what comfort is, why we crave it and why it's necessary, but she also discusses the importance of sometimes pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone. Molly Case is a former cardiac care nurse and now works in palliative and end of life care. She works out what matters most to the people she cares for and how she can provide a level of comfort for them.The Reverend Bryony Taylor is a priest in the Church of England and works as Rector of Barlborough and Clowne in the Derby Diocese. She is also the author of More TV Vicar? a book about Christians on the television. She describes how faith can be a source of comfort for many people, especially at this time of year.The food writer Grace Dent, and chef and restauranteur Dipna Anand, recall the favourite foods from childhood that bring them emotional comfort and bring back happy and nostalgic memories, as well as what they will be having for Christmas. Hygge took the world by storm when Meik Wiking published The Little Book of Hygge – The Danish Way to Live Well in 2016. Hygge has been described as a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or wellbeing. Anita and Nuala are joined by Becci Coombes, whose father is Danish. She grew up with a love of all things Hygge and runs an online business - Hygge Style.  The band The Unthanks are known for combining traditional English folk, particularly Northumbrian folk music, with other musical genres. They have just finished a UK tour, and they have a new album out – The Unthanks In Winter. They perform two songs live in the studio: Bleary Winter and The Cherry Tree Carol.Presented by Nuala McGovern and Anita Rani. Producer: Louise Corley

It's the rape trial that has shocked the world. Gisèle Pelicot's ex-husband Dominique was sentenced yesterday to 20 years in prison for her rape, alongside 50 other men. We hear Gisèle's own words, and Anita Rani was joined by the BBC's Andrew Harding who has covered the trial from the beginning, and French journalist and founder of The Women's Voices website Cynthia Illouz. Anne-Marie Duff joined Nuala McGovern to talk about her latest stage role in The Little Foxes at London's Young Vic Theatre. It's a family drama where she plays Regina Hubbard, an ambitious woman who is thwarted by her position in Alabama society in the early 1900s, where her less financially savvy brothers have the power and autonomy to run the family business. Anne-Marie discusses playing ruthless characters and the stage roles that place women front and centre.A recent report by the National Council for the Training of Journalists found that 91% of UK journalists come from white ethnic groups. This has increased by 3% since last year. Amid large numbers of job cuts within the sector, what can be done to help keep female black and minority ethnic journalists within the profession? Nuala was joined by Habiba Katsha, a freelance journalist considering an alternative career, and award-winning writer and journalist Afua Hirsch.Daisy Edgar-Jones and her co-star Paul Mescal rocketed into the public gaze in the BBC adaptation of Sally Rooney's novel Normal People. Following a couple of notable film performances Daisy is now on stage as the formidable, if unhappy, Maggie in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. She joined Anita Rani live in the Woman's Hour studio.Noel Streatfield's classic children's book Ballet Shoes was written in 1936, and had never been staged - until now. The National Theatre's production of Ballet Shoes is directed by Katy Rudd and tells the story of the three Fossil sisters, Pauline, Petrova and Posy, who were given their name because they were all “discovered” as babies on the travels of adventurer Great Uncle Matthew and then abandoned to his Great Niece Sylvia, or Garnie, played by Pearl Mackie. Anita was joined by Katy and Pearl to discuss this children's classic.Would you ask your friends to describe you in one word? Comedian Sophie Duker did. She joined Nuala to talk about their responses and how it influenced her new standup show, But Daddy, I Love Her.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Rebecca Myatt

Daisy Edgar-Jones and her co-star Paul Mescal rocketed into the public gaze in the BBC adaptation of Sally Rooney's novel Normal People. Following a couple of notable film performances Daisy is now on stage as the formidable, if unhappy, Maggie in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. She joins Anita Rani live in the Woman's Hour studio.It's the rape trial that has shocked the world. Gisèle Pelicot's ex-husband Dominique was sentenced yesterday to 20 years in prison for her rape, alongside 50 other men. We hear Gisèle's own words, from the BBC's Andrew Harding who has covered the trial from the beginning, and French journalist and founder of The Women's Voices website Cynthia Illouz. Anita then speaks to Dr Caroline Copeland, senior lecturer in pharmacology and toxicology at King's College London, about the term chemical submission, which has gained more recognition during the trial.Hundreds of women in labour are being diverted from their birth hospital of choice. Exclusive research done by the Health Service Journal found some were sent hundreds of miles from home to different hospital Trusts. The main reason was because of staff shortages or because midwifery teams lacked the right skill-mix for a delivery to be safe for the baby and the mother. Anita is joined by Health Service Journal Senior Correspondent Emily Townsend who carried out this investigation and Gill Walton, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Midwives, to discuss.Bryony Page, Olympic medallist and trailblazer for British gymnastics, made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics by winning Team GB's first ever trampoline gold. Known for her resilience and determination, she reflects with Anita on the achievements and challenges of her career, and shares her hopes for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

The verdicts have been handed down in the mass rape trial that has truly shocked and appalled people in France and around the world where 51 men stood accused of raping Gisele Pelicot. One of these men is Gisele's now ex-husband Dominique Pelicot, who has been convicted of drugging and raping his wife of 50 years - and inviting dozens of others to rape her over nearly a decade. He has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. Anita Rani spoke to BBC correspondent Chris Bockman and French feminist campaigner Blandine Deverlanges, both outside the court in Avignon.Venture Capitalist Nell Daly is on a mission to invest in female entrepreneurs. She has launched a £50 million investment fund here in the UK to support those who normally don't get a seat at the finance table. She joins Anita to talk about women in business.Noel Streatfield's classic children's book Ballet Shoes was written in 1936, and had never been staged - until now. The National Theatre's production of Ballet Shoes is directed by Katy Rudd and tells the story of the three Fossil sisters, Pauline, Petrova and Posy, who were given their name because they were all “discovered” as babies on the travels of adventurer Great Uncle Matthew and then abandoned to his Great Niece Sylvia, or Garnie, played by Pearl Mackie. Anita is joined by Katy and Pearl to discuss this children's classic.Have you ever spent Christmas alone by choice? Why did you decide to spend it this way - and what did you do? That's what the best selling author and Daily Mail agony aunt, Jane Green, is doing this year. It's the first Christmas since her divorce and she's spending it alone, several thousand miles away from home. She joins me now. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

A new analysis on the quality and quantity of childcare provision in England has revealed that the huge expansion of free childcare currently underway is at risk of not delivering for poorer families, according to a new report from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and Save the Children. Author of the report Jodie Reed and Phoebe Arslanagic-Little, Head of the New Deal for Parents at Onward, joined Nuala McGovern this week to discuss.You might remember Kerry Washington in her iconic role, Olivia Pope, the fixer in TV series Scandal, or perhaps you know her from her many other roles in The Last King of Scotland, Django Unchained and Little Fires Everywhere. In her new starring role, Kerry plays Major Charity Adams, a real-life World War Two hero. She joined Anita Rani live to discuss the film The Six Triple Eight, which tells the story of the only women of colour battalion stationed in Europe during the Second World War.A new report from SheRACES and Fund Her Tri UK has found that women triathletes can experience unacceptable harassment at events. It also showed that women competitors struggle with the lack of toilet facilities and changing facilities. Sophie Power is an ultrarunner and founder of SheRACES – she joined Nuala to tell us more about the report and the change they hope to make.IVF is one of the great medical breakthroughs of the 20th century. Thanks to its invention, over 390,000 babies have been born in the UK since 1991. 70,000 of which used donor eggs, sperm, or embryos. Elaine Lee was one of the first women in the UK to donate her eggs. She told Anita about the process then, and what it was like to be one of the first women to donate back in 1987.After going through chemotherapy for breast cancer, hairdresser Anastasia Cameron was told at a salon in Wales that they didn't offer Afro wigs. She joined Nuala to discuss her experience and how she's now helping other women in similar situations with her own wig business.The rivalry between silver-screen icons Bette Davis and Joan Crawford is the stuff of legend, a decades-long battle sparked by both professional and personal resentments. Now the story is being told in a re-boot of the play Bette & Joan, now showing at the Park Theatre in London. Greta Scaachi, who plays Bette, and Felicity Dean, who plays Joan, joined Nuala to tell us more about the pair's infamous relationship.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Rebecca Myatt

You might remember Kerry Washington in her iconic role, Olivia Pope, the fixer in TV series Scandal, or perhaps you know her from her many other roles in The Last King of Scotland, Django Unchained and Little Fires Everywhere. In her new starring role, Kerry plays Major Charity Adams, a real-life World War Two hero. She joins Anita Rani live to discuss the film The Six Triple Eight, which tells the story of the only women of colour battalion stationed in Europe during the Second World War.After struggling with PMDD, or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, for years, writer Sarah Gillespie decided to travel to Lithuania to have her ovaries removed. She joins Reproductive Health Consultant at Liverpool Women's Hospital, Dr Paula Briggs and Anita to share her story.Since 2011, over 14 million Syrians have been forced to flee their homes after peaceful protests ended in a government crackdown and brutal civil war. Now the Assad regime has fallen, what is life like for women still in Syria and for those who have been displaced? Can they ever return? Anita speaks to Dr Sophie Alkhaled and Zeina Kanawati. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Laura Northedge

The father and stepmother of 10-year-old Sara Sharif have been found guilty of her murder after subjecting her to "horrific suffering" for more than two years. Sara Sharif was described by her headteacher as a much loved pupil, a cheerful little soul who would sing to anyone who would listen. But the authorities failed to realise that she was being tortured by her father, Urfan Sharif, and suffered what the court heard was a daily living hell. Anita Rani talks to Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children's Commissioner for England and Wales, and Aisha Gill, Professor of Criminology at Bristol University, about why 15 opportunities to save Sara were missed.IVF is one of the great medical breakthroughs of the 20th century. Thanks to its invention, over 390,000 babies have been born in the UK since 1991. 70,000 of which used donor eggs, sperm, or embryos. Elaine Lee was one of the first women in the UK to donate her eggs. She tells Anita about the process then, and what it was like to be one of the first women to donate back in 1987.This morning it was announced that Baroness Sue Campbell will join England Netball as Chair of their Board. Previously she was credited with taking women's football from niche to mainstream. During her seven years as director of women's football at the Football Association, the number of women and girls playing football doubled, the number of people watching the game quadrupled and there has also been a significant increase in the number of women and girls taking up coaching and refereeing. Baroness Sue Campbell joins Anita to discuss her new role along with Fran Connolly, England Netball CEO. How do you tackle the stigma and violence faced globally by women with disabilities? Anita talks to Katrina Scior, Professor of Clinical Psychology and Stigma Studies at University College London, who this week is launching a self-reporting survey tool to help prevent discrimination. The project is led by UN Women and the UN Development programme in four places: Moldova, Pakistan, Gaza and West Bank and Samoa.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

Powerhouse actors Keira Knightley and Sarah Lancashire are starring alongside Ben Wishaw in new Netflix spy drama Black Doves. It follows the story of a female spy seeking revenge for the murder of her lover – whilst outwardly being married to a high-ranking politician. Keira and Sarah spoke to Nuala McGovern about the drama, their careers and their experiences as women in the film industry.Sutara Gayle is an actor and reggae artist. She fuses music with memories of her eventful life in a new show: The Legends of Them. From hearing her radio debut whilst in Holloway Prison on remand, to the Brixton uprisings in 1985 that were sparked by the shooting of her sister, the show explores a hugely varied and at times deeply moving portrayal of her life, and the women who have shaped it. Sutara joined Anita Rani in the studio.Professor Nicola Rollock is best known for her academic research and writing on race and society. As a friend of the programme, she approached us to ask to talk about something more personal - her experience of uterine fibroids, something that affects around 70% of women, but this rises to 80% for black women. Nicola joined Nuala alongside Hilary Critchley, Professor of Reproductive Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, to discuss more.After the actor Anna Maxwell Martin spoke on the programme about the grief she experienced after her husband died suddenly in 2021, we were inundated with listeners sharing their stories. Two of them, Giselle De Hasse and Heather Ashley, joined Anita to talk about how they manage their grief day to day.Author Josie Lloyd joined Nuala to discuss her new novel featuring fictional Alice Beeton, the prim and organised owner of The Good Household Management Agency and distant relative of the real-life Victorian cookery and household writer Mrs Beeton. Alice and her ancestor share a love of recipes and an eye for detail, which comes in handy when Alice becomes involved in a cosy, Christmassy crime in Miss Beeton's Murder Agency.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Louise Corley

There have been reports that Afghan women are being banned from midwife and nursing courses in the latest blow to their rights. Women training as midwives and nurses in Afghanistan have told the BBC they were ordered not to return to classes, and five separate institutions across Afghanistan have also confirmed to the BBC that the Taliban had instructed them to close until further notice, with videos shared online showing students crying at the news. The BBC has yet to confirm the order officially with the Taliban government's health ministry. Anita Rani discusses what is potentially happening with BBC Diplomatic Correspondent Caroline Hawley.After the actor Anna Maxwell Martin spoke on the programme about the grief she experienced after her husband died suddenly in 2021, we were inundated with listeners sharing their stories. Two of them, Giselle De Hasse and Heather Ashley, join Anita to talk about how they manage their grief day to day, along with Dr Shelley Gilbert, the founder and president of Grief Encounter and a consultant psychotherapist.Daytime clubbing is a thing. All over the country, events are taking place, where you party early - and finish early - with plenty of time to be in your bed at a reasonable hour. So, whatever happened to the big night out? Is 3pm the new 9pm? And why are these early evening finishes becoming so popular? Anita is joined by DJ Annie Mac, the broadcaster, author, and events curator. Annie started her own version of an early finishing club event Before Midnight in 2022, with her 'nights' now running UK-wide.The artist Chila Kumari Singh Burman creates kaleidoscopic paintings, prints, etchings and moving images inspired by her Indian heritage. Chila was born in Toxteth in Merseyside and use materials like bindis and ice cream cones in her installations to represent her Asian identity as well as her working-class Liverpudlian childhood. She says she aims to challenge stereotypes and create an alternative perspective of Britishness. Chila joins Anita to talk about her eponymous book which brings together work from four decades and Neon Dreams, her exhibition at The Holburne Museum in Bath, which includes a life-size neon tiger in the ballroom and a giant multi-coloured neon lightshow on the façade of the museum building.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

Losing a baby in the early stages of pregnancy can be an extremely painful experience. Having to explain to your employer why you can't come to work only adds to the difficulty. In the UK, there's currently no entitlement to time off for miscarriage within the first six months of pregnancy. The Women and Equalities Select Committee is hearing evidence on extending the right to bereavement leave to cover losses up to 24 weeks. Sarah Owen MP, Chair of the Committee and someone who has experienced baby loss, joined Nuala McGovern to discuss. When the Stammer Came to Stay is award-winning author Maggie O'Farrell's third children's book. Based on her experience of living with a stammer, it celebrates differences and explores children's resilience in facing new challenges. She talks to Anita Rani about the book and how her stammer has shaped her life. Why are more young women dying from alcohol-related liver disease than ever before? BBC journalist Hazel Martin, diagnosed with the condition in her early 30s, has been investigating how her social drinking habits put her life at risk. Hazel joined Nuala along with Professor Debbie Shawcross, Consultant Hepatologist at King's College Hospital, to explore the growing crisis and its causes. After writing her Spinal Column for The Times since 2010 —beginning just two weeks after breaking her neck and back in a riding accident—Melanie Reid has decided it's time to stop. She joined Nuala to discuss why she's stepping away, her reflections on the journey, and her plans for the future. Song-writing partnership Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear are making history by becoming the youngest and first female songwriting duo to compose for a Disney feature film in Moana 2. The Grammy Award-winning pair joined Nula to discuss their musical partnership. Kim Cypher, a saxophonist, composer, and vocalist, is a regular on the London and UK jazz circuit. She recently launched her third album, Catching Moments, and joined Anita in the Woman's Hour studio and performed live.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

When the Stammer Came to Stay is award-winning author Maggie O'Farrell's third book for children. Based on her own experience of living with a stammer, it's a story that celebrates differences and explores the resilience of children as they learn to navigate new and seemingly frightful challenges. She talks to Anita Rani about the book and the impact of her stammer on her life.Gregg Wallace is to step away from presenting MasterChef while allegations of historical misconduct are investigated. Wallace's lawyers say it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature and MasterChef's production company Banijay UK has launched an investigation. To discuss the story, Anita is joined by Katie Razzall, the BBC's Media Editor. Anita also speaks to Emma Bartlett, employment lawyer and partner at CM Murray, to look at some of the issues cases like this raise in terms of reporting allegations of inapproprate behavior in the workplace.In Nigeria scammers posing as doctors are convincing women that they have a “miracle fertility treatment” guaranteed to get them pregnant. BBC Africa Eye Reporter Yemisi Adegoke explains how these scammers target infertile women and fuel an underground trade in black market babies. Nigeria's Miracle Baby Scammers is on BBC iPlayer.The Italian-American soprano Marina Costa-Jackson's acclaimed portrayals include Floria Tosca at the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Mimi in La Bohème at Los Angeles Opera, and Carmen with Nashville Opera. She has now made her Royal Opera House debut where she is currently singing the role of Giulietta in a new production of The Tales of Hoffmann. She joins Anita, live in the studio, to discuss the role, how she handles performance anxiety, and to sing the aria L'amour lui dit la belle, accompanied by Christopher Willis on piano.Presented by Anita Rani Producer: Louise Corley

Academy schools were one of the issues that listeners raised during, and since, Woman's Hour's special programme investigating the SEND system for children with special education needs and disabilities. We hear the voices of two mums who say their children were let down by their Academy schools for allegedly failing to support their children's SEND needs and Anita Rani discusses SEND support in Academies with Leora Cruddas, CEO of the Confederation of School Trusts which represents more than ¾ of all Academies.Choreographer and intimacy director Lucy Hind has worked on major productions including Girl From the North Country, Oliver, My Fair Lady, Secret Life of Bees and more recently Groundhog Day. Her latest project Spend Spend Spend has just opened at the Royal Exchange theatre in Manchester and is the story of the infamous Viv Nicholson who in the 1960's won today's equivalent of a few million pounds and went on to spend it all on very public lavish spending-sprees. Lucy explains to Anita why being an intimacy director is an integral part of being a choreographer.Kim Cypher is a saxophonist, composer, vocalist and a regular performer on the London and UK jazz circuit including sold our performances on the main stage at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club. She's just launched her third album Catching Moments and Kim and her band join Anita in the Woman's Hour studio.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Laura Northedge

Oscar-winning Michelle Yeoh's career has spanned four decades. Starting out as a martial arts actor, she became a key figure in the Hong Kong action scene. But it was her role in James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies that catapulted her into Hollywood. She's since starred in many hits including Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and the multi-Oscar winning movie - including for her own performance - Everything Everywhere all At Once. Now, she's in the film adaptation of the musical Wicked. She joined Nuala McGovern live in the studio to discuss it.BBC analysis suggests that the rate at which primary school pupils are being suspended from state schools in England has more than doubled in a decade. Permanent exclusion rates of primary-age pupils have also gone up, by almost 70% in the same period. Campaigners say children excluded from school at a young age experience long-term impacts. It's worth also stating that nearly 90% of those permanently excluded over the past five years also had special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The government has acknowledged the situation is at "crisis point", and says it is determined to "drive up standards" in schools. Anita Rani spoke to Lydia, whose son Eddie has been suspended from school 14 times this year.Twenty-four year old product design and technology graduate Olivia Humphreys is a Global Medical Winner of the James Dyson Award 2024. Her invention, Athena, is a portable hair-loss prevention device for chemotherapy patients. She talks to Nuala how the product works and how her mum inspired it.Katarina Johnson-Thompson is the double World and double Commonwealth Games heptathlon champion. This year she won the Olympic silver medal in Paris, her first ever Olympic medal. Katarina joined Anita to talk about her new book, Unbroken, in which she opens up about the pressures of representing Great Britain as a 19 year old at the London 2012 Olympics, her struggles with body image and the relentless resilience and determination she has shown in coming back from career-threatening injuries. Bethany Hutchison is one of eight female nurses who are taking their NHS Trust to an employment tribunal for allowing a trans woman to use their changing facilities at work. Bethany spoke to Nuala about why she feels she needed to bring this case, and how she hopes it will be resolved.The film Gladiator II stars Paul Mescal as Lucius and Connie Nielsen returns to her role as Lucilla. The sequel also includes a female gladiator for the first time, Yuval Gonen plays the role of Arishat. Anita is joined by classicist and author Dr Daisy Dunn and the film critic Larushka Ivan-zadeh to discuss how accurate this portrayal is and the role women play in the film.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Rebecca Myatt

Adopted children may be allowed much closer contact with their birth families in the future as part of “seismic” changes recommended in a new report published earlier this month. At the moment family courts set out the level of contact the child will have with their birth parents, usually letters sent via an intermediary. But that could change. Anita Rani hears from two women who were adopted, who share their thoughts on what these changes could mean for adopted children, and Prof Beth Neil who helped to write the report. Gladiator II stars Paul Mescal as Lucius and Connie Nielsen returns to her role as Lucilla. The sequel also includes a female gladiator for the first time, Yuval Gonen plays the role of Arishat. Anita is joined by classicist and author Dr Daisy Dunn and the film critic Larushka Ivan-zadeh to discuss how accurate this portrayal is and the role women play in the film.'I Did Something Bad' is the debut novel by Pyae Moe Thet War. It tells the story of journalist Khin Haymar assigned by Vogue to get a scoop on Tyler Tun, Hollywood's hottest movie star in exchange for a top job. But along the way a man ends up dead. Will the pair fall in love and can they get away with murder? Pyae joins Anita to talk about wanting to write a rom-com with murder set in her hometown of Yangon, Myanmar and why the novel features some serious social commentary on abortion, corrupt police and representation in film.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Laura Northedge

A new Woman's Hour series, Forgotten Children, explores the impact on families when one or both parents are sent to prison. Reporter Jo Morris hears from Kerry Wright, who was just 17 and living in Spain with her parents when British police arrived at their door and arrested both of them, from Nan (not her real name), whose daughter received a prison sentence, leaving Nan to care for her five grandchildren and to Emily (not her real name), whose husband was sentenced to prison for domestic abuse. Nuala McGovern also spoke to Sarah Burrows, founder of Children Heard and Seen, a charity supporting children and families with parents or partners serving prison sentences, and Lucy Baldwin who is a research fellow at Durham University and a criminal justice consultant.As a new musical adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada, with lyrics contributed by the American musician Shaina Taub and music by Elton John, hits London's West End, Anita Rani was joined by the show's leading ladies, Vanessa Williams, Georgie Buckland and Amy Di Bartolomeo to discuss the enduring appeal of this story.Nuala spoke to TV presenter and author Giovanna Fletcher from the Himalayas at the start of her trek to raise money and awareness for CoppaFeel! the breast cancer charity.Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal death in the UK. Today the House of Lords Preterm Birth Committee have published a report calling on the government to do more to reduce the risks of babies being born prematurely and to improve the lives of those families who are affected. Anita discusses proposed changes with Nadia Leake, who gave birth to twins eleven years ago at just 22 weeks and is the author of 'Surviving Prematurity,' Evelyn Forde was the first black female president of the Association of School and College Leaders, awarded an MBE for services to education, and named Times Educational Supplement Headteacher of the Year in 2020. In her book Herstory: A Leadership Manifesto, Evelyn shares her journey through the education system, her experiences of racism in her career, alongside the testimonies of other black leaders in the sector. With just 1% of headteachers in state schools in England from a black background, she joined Nuala to discuss why she thinks urgent action is needed to address the issue in education. A new musical – Mozart: Her Story - tells the story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's sister Maria-Anna, who taught him how to play the piano. Nuala is joined by the lyricist, Tegan Summer, and actor, Gabrielle Brooks who gives a performance from the new show.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Rebecca Myatt

This week Woman's Hour has featured the Forgotten Children series about the impact on children when a parent is sent to prison. So what do the Government intend to do about the problem? Anita Rani speaks to Labour MP Jake Richards and Conservative MP Richard Holden about the possibility of cross party action on this issue. A video has been going viral since yesterday: New Zealand MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke brought the country's parliament to a halt by performing a haka in protest at a controversial bill seeking to reinterpret the country's founding treaty with Māori people. Maori journalist Jamie Tahana tells Anita what happened, and what it means for the country. Actor Halle Berry attended a fashion show wearing the same dress she memorably wore while accepting the Oscar for best actress in 2002. Thanks to her role in “Monster's Ball,” Berry was the first black woman in history to take home the accolade, making the gown — which features a burgundy skirt and sheer bodice adorned with floral appliqué — all the more special. Anita explores this with Rosana Lai fashion editor at Glamour UK.COP29 - the UN's climate conference – has been taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan this week. The assembled delegates have been discussing ways to limit and prepare for future climate change with a particular focus on how to finance poorer countries adaptation to climate change. To coincide with this annual event LinkedIn has released some new data about green jobs and skills. Anita speaks to Sue Duke, VP of Global Public Policy for LinkedIn & their spokesperson for global gender parity.The Oliver award-winning cabaret, comedy and circus sensation La Clique was born at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2004 and has since toured the globe. It is celebrating twenty years with a new show just opened at London's Leicester Square. We meet two of its artists: Katharine Arnold, an aerialist and choreographer and Miranda Menzies, who specialises in the ancient art of hair suspension.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Karen Dalziel

Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal death in the UK. Today the House of Lords Preterm Birth Committee have published a report calling on the government to do more to reduce the risks of babies being born prematurely and to improve the lives of those families who are affected. Anita Rani discusses proposed changes with Nadia Leake, who gave birth to twins eleven years ago at just 22 weeks and author of 'Surviving Prematurity,' Caroline Lee-Davey, CEO of the charity Bliss, which supports parents and families of premature or sick babies, and Baroness Laura Wyld, a member of the Preterm Birth Committee.A Georgian heiress and her husband are suing a property developer for over £36 million after buying a mansion and discovering a “moth infestation”… “of extreme proportions”. The couple describe killing up to 100 moths a day, watching them land on their children's toothbrushes, plates of food and cutlery. And they are now seeking damages including £50,000 for moth-shredded clothes. The property developer denies all claims. Well, it's that time of year where you may be getting your winter woollies out and we wondered what's the best way to deal with such an occurrence? Anita is joined by Harriet Walker, Fashion Editor at The Times, who has been having her own nightmare experience with moths.In the next instalment of Woman's Hour's week-long series Forgotten Children, which looks at the impact on families when one or both parents serve time in prison, reporter Jo Morris speaks to Emily (not her real name), whose husband was sentenced to prison for crimes he committed against her. Emily discovered that, not only did she have to face the stigma of her children's father being in prison, but as a single-parent she also struggled to access services to help her children cope with their father's imprisonment. As a new musical adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada, with lyrics contributed by the American musician Shaina Taub and music by Elton John, hits London's West End, Anita is joined by the show's leading ladies, Vanessa Williams, Georgie Buckland and Amy Di Bartolomeo to discuss the enduring appeal of this story. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt